Was this Pre-Model 27 cut down?

[flightlessgreeb]

Recently won this 1954-55 (based on the serial) produced Pre-Model 27 on Gunbroker which received no bids from anyone besides me, probably because the front sight has been shaved down (possibly to match a specific load or to increase visibility?) plus it came with replacement smooth target-sized grips rather than originals.

A friend mentioned they thought the barrel might have been cut down too based on the number of pins retaining the front sight - I'm not studied enough in Smiths to know if that's right or not but I figure someone here might be!

More and larger images available here: S&W Pre-Model 27 - Album on Imgur

 

[Jimmyjones]

Looks good, the roll mark is centered.

 

[murphydog]

Difficult to be sure from the photos, but the barrel crown looks somewhat flat instead of convex, and the front edge of the barrel rib appears angled instead of being perpendicular, so it 'may' be altered. Please post more photos when it arrives?

 

[RKmesa]

From the photos, it looks cut to me, and for sure the front sight has been modified. Regardless, it looks like a fun .357 Magnum.

 

[flightlessgreeb]

Difficult to be sure from the photos, but the barrel crown looks somewhat flat instead of convex, and the front edge of the barrel rib appears angled instead of being perpendicular, so it 'may' be altered. Please post more photos when it arrives?

Not sure if you saw the album I posted? S&W Pre-Model 27 - Album on Imgur you're definitely right that the barrel rib is angled at the front of the gun though and I believe you may be right about the crown being flat as well. Those are all my pics btw I have the gun here in my safe.

 

[rct269]

Of course it's been cut. Look at the front end of any unmolested S&W hand ejector revolver to see the difference for yourself.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[moosedog]

Agree that its been cut as the crown is not a factory contour.

 

[Chukar60]

It looks cut to me, but still a nice looking 5 screw 357.
Enjoy it!!

 

[Marshal Tom]

Agree with all of the above comments but I like it. If you didn't pay a premium price for it, looks like a fun shooter with character!

 

[Jim Watson]

Ramp width not the same as rib width, either.

 

[Engine49guy]

Definitely cut down. If it was cheap enough there was a member selling a NOS 5 inch barrel , of course the chances it's the same year as that gun are slim.

 

[clang444]

I just looked at your Imgur pics - the target grips have been modified too - The bottom flair has been sanded down and rounded instead. I used to do this too back when S&W grips were cheap and plentiful. Not anymore now that they are collectable and so darn expensive, it kills the value.

 

[flightlessgreeb]

Thanks for the assessment! It was $750 which is probably not what would be considered "cheap" but definitely less than I'd expect an original barrel gun to go for! I'm fine with it either way but this saves me the expense of getting it lettered to find out for sure so it's appreciated!

I don't much care for smooth grips and they aren't numbered to the gun or anything so them having been sanded down isn't too much of a bother to me. I'm thinking of trying to find some stag grips and a tyler-t adapter for it instead while I get started on the eternal hunt for a pair of cokes that don't break the bank (good luck!!! lol)

 

[Kinman]

Good score IMO, keep your eyes peeled on Accessories,etc. Ken often puts up his elk antler stocks and N-frame stocks appear more often.

 

[clang444]

Thanks for the assessment! It was $750 which is probably not what would be considered "cheap" but definitely less than I'd expect an original barrel gun to go for! I'm fine with it either way but this saves me the expense of getting it lettered to find out for sure so it's appreciated!

I don't much care for smooth grips and they aren't numbered to the gun or anything so them having been sanded down isn't too much of a bother to me. I'm thinking of trying to find some stag grips and a tyler-t adapter for it instead while I get started on the eternal hunt for a pair of cokes that don't break the bank (good luck!!! lol)

You didn't get hurt for what you paid, I bet it's a good shooter. Keep the modded grips on it, I think you'll like them.

 

[22hipower]

If I came across that I'd happily pay $750 for it; have paid more for pre-model number cut barrel N frames, and no doubt will do so again. Enjoy it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Neversink n Klapperthal]

I`ll take all the Pre 27s I can get for $750. Beautiful gun with a bit of character

 

[6518John]

Difficult to be sure from the photos, but the barrel crown looks somewhat flat instead of convex, and the front edge of the barrel rib appears angled instead of being perpendicular, so it 'may' be altered.

Alan—does monkeying with the crown on a revolver effect accuracy like it can with a rifle? I have always wondered about that but have never asked. It would seem that a bad or cut crown on a revolver might not cause noticeable accuracy issues due to the much shorter distances typically involved with revolver shooting (assuming you aren't Elmer Keith)!